Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners St Helier Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions Gardeners St Helier is taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect and uphold human rights, and we are committed to ensuring that exploitation, forced labour and human trafficking have no place in our business or in the businesses with which we work.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners St Helier has a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to all aspects of our business, including direct employees, temporary workers, contractors and suppliers. We do not tolerate forced, bonded or compulsory labour, child labour, servitude, or any form of human trafficking.

All employees and individuals acting on behalf of Gardeners St Helier are expected to uphold this commitment. Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract, and may be reported to the relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners St Helier operates in the gardening and landscaping sector, providing services to residential, commercial and public sector clients. Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, equipment, tools, uniforms, consumables and ancillary services required to deliver our work safely and effectively.

We recognise that certain sectors, geographies and supply categories may present higher risks of modern slavery. We therefore seek to understand where these risks may arise and take proportionate steps to reduce and manage them.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We aim to work only with suppliers and contractors who share our values and comply with applicable labour and human rights laws. As part of our due diligence processes, we assess new and existing suppliers for their approach to labour standards, working conditions and ethical conduct.

Where appropriate and proportionate to the level of risk, we carry out supplier audits or request evidence of their own modern slavery policies, codes of conduct and compliance procedures. This may include completing questionnaires, reviewing policy documents and, where necessary, site visits.

If a supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our standards on modern slavery, we will take appropriate action, which may include working with them to improve their practices within a defined timeframe or, in serious cases, ending the business relationship.

Training, Awareness and Responsibilities

Managers and employees involved in procurement, supplier management and site supervision are made aware of our zero-tolerance policy and the signs of potential exploitation. Responsibilities for implementing this statement sit with senior management, who oversee compliance and report on progress.

We aim to foster a culture where ethical concerns can be raised openly and acted upon swiftly. Everyone at Gardeners St Helier is responsible for helping to identify and address potential modern slavery risks.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners St Helier encourages all employees, workers, suppliers and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery, whether within our own operations or in our supply chains. Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels, including line managers and senior management, or via established whistleblowing procedures.

Reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively and investigated promptly. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Where necessary, we will cooperate with law enforcement and relevant authorities to address confirmed cases of exploitation.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners St Helier is committed to continually improving its approach to preventing modern slavery. We regularly review our procurement practices, supplier relationships and internal policies to identify opportunities to strengthen safeguards and reduce risk.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains appropriate, effective and aligned with relevant legislation and best practice. Updates and improvements are implemented as required, and the statement is approved at a senior level to demonstrate clear accountability for our commitments.

By maintaining robust standards, engaging with our suppliers and empowering people to speak up, Gardeners St Helier strives to ensure that modern slavery has no place in our business or in the wider supply chains on which we rely.